OTTAWA, November 10, 2010 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are warning the public not to use the Beef Pet Food described below because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. People may become infected with the bacteria by handling the pet food directly or by contact with pets that have consumed the food. Note that pet food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled.

The affected Beef Pet Food was made by Surrey Meat Packers, Cloverdale, British Columbia. The affected product was sold frozen in 500g blocks assembled in 10-unit and 50-unit packages from October 8 to 23 inclusively at the following locations:

Surrey Meat Packers, 6050-176th Street, Cloverdale, BC; and,

Jolly Meats and Fine Foods, 111 Charles Street, North Vancouver, BC

The affected product may not bear a label indicating packing date or a Best Before date. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased the affected product are advised to check with stores where the product was purchased. Any affected product should be thrown out.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with this Beef Pet Food product.

In people, infection from E. coli O157:H7 may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Although most people recover within seven to 10 days, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are most at risk for developing serious complications. Complications may include seizures, strokes and some people may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

It is advised that all pet owners wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after feeding, handling or cleaning up after their pets. Pet owners are also advised to clean surfaces that come into contact with raw pet food.

For more information about the product, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).